A tragic incident occurred on Oléron Island in Charente-Maritime, France, where a driver intentionally struck pedestrians and cyclists, injuring ten individuals. The event unfolded on Wednesday morning, approximately at 8:45 AM, on a roadway between two villages, Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
Details of the Incident
- The driver hit a total of ten people, including both pedestrians and cyclists.
- Four victims sustained serious injuries and were in critical condition.
- Witness reports indicated the driver exclaimed “Allah Akbar” upon his arrest, although the motive remains under investigation.
Injuries and Victims
The initial count indicates ten people were injured, with ages ranging from 22 to 67 years. Some victims were transported by helicopter to the CHU Poitiers medical facility for urgent care. The local gendarmerie reported that five individuals were injured, including three who were severely hurt.
Details About the Driver
The suspect is a 35-year-old French man residing in La Cotinière, a village on the island’s west coast. He has a record of previous offenses related to substance abuse, according to Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron’s mayor, Christophe Sueur. Notably, he was not listed in the files for suspected radicalization.
At the scene, the driver attempted to set his vehicle on fire using gas canisters, but the fire was only partially successful. He was quickly apprehended by the gendarmerie and taken into custody at the local police station.
Community Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, a psychological support unit has been established at the Château d’Oléron to assist those affected. The Public Prosecutor of La Rochelle, Arnaud Laraize, has confirmed that an investigation into attempted murder has been initiated. The investigation will be handled by the research section of Poitiers and supported by local brigades.
Laurent Nuñez, the Minister of the Interior, is scheduled to visit the site later in the day to assess the situation and has expressed his commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation.
